Developed Newport. Fresh by Nature. connecting local farms to downtown restaurants and markets restaurants that include and increase the amount of locally grown and produced ingredients on their menus. Marketing downtown Newport as a culinary destination for a true farm-to-table experience and job creation are major goals of this program.

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As Executive Director of Newport City Renaissance Corporation I have developed the Newport. Fresh by Nature. program that has received start-up funds from USDA-RD Rural Business Enterprise Grant. The program connects local farms to downtown restaurants and markets restaurants that include and increase the amount of locally grown and produced ingredients on their menus. The annual Taste of Newport event is a walking tour of downtown Newport visiting the participating restaurants and tasting their menu selections made of seasonally fresh ingredients. Newport. Fresh by Nature. also celebrates Newport's community gardens and promotes the Newport Farmer's Market and Northeast Kingdom Tasting Center. Marketing downtown Newport as a culinary destination for a true farm-to-table experience and job creation are major goals of this program. Green Mountain Farm Direct is a partner in this program.

Patricia M Sears is the founder, President and CEO of NEKTI Consulting (established in 2000), a firm that acts as a thinking partner using global connections with local commitment, collaborating for change. Patricia is recognized for her skills in coalition building, networking for opportunities with tenacious follow-up for impact, community outreach and advocacy. She has a proven track record of working in challenging environments with facility and bringing diverse groups together in project development and advancing positive results.